Joseph Jackson’s Appeal

An appeals court will hear arguments today on whether Michael’s father should be allowed to challenge the administrators of his son’s estate. Mr Joseph Jackson has appealed a probate court’s dismissal of his objections to the appointment of attorney John Branca and music executive and family friend John McClain to oversee the estate.

A judge ruled in November that Mr Jackson did not have standing to intervene in the case and was not entitled to an evidentiary hearing to contest the administrators.

Such a hearing would allow Mr Jackson’s attorney, Brian Oxman, to air complaints about potential conflicts of interest and the validity of Michael’s 2002 will, which specifically omitted his father from receiving any money.

Attorneys for Michael’s estate have noted the probate court’s findings against Mr Jackson and said in motions to the appeals court that the ruling came after considering Brian Oxman’s arguments in the most favorable light.

Brian Oxman raised issues on behalf of Joseph Jackson after Katherine Jackson, dropped any of her potential objections to the appointment of Mr Branca and Mr McClain.

The estate also noted that Mr Jackson sought a stipend, but later chose to withdraw that request.